A Perseverant DWI Defense Attorney
In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is the criminal charge for adults accused of driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Greg Gladden is a board-certified criminal defense lawyer who has successfully represented clients with up to six drunk driving charges. Mr. Gladden has over 45 years of legal experience and has defended clients from criminal charges in 14 different states. He has a 97% jury trial not-guilty verdict rate for clients charged with a DWI. From his Houston firm, Greg Gladden Attorney at Law, he defends DWI clients across Texas.
Creative And Effective DWI Defense
An arresting officer’s claim that a person operated a vehicle while intoxicated is just the officer’s opinion. To Mr. Gladden, DWI cases can be highly winnable. He will investigate all details involved in a DWI case and find the full story. He is capable of handling DWI cases that involve:
- Repeat offenses
- Drugs possession
- Felony DWI
- Intoxication manslaughter
- Hit-and-run when intoxicated
- Field sobriety refusal and breath test refusal
Extenuating circumstances and eyewitness accounts found by Mr. Gladden can help the jury understand his client’s side of the story. He does not back down from a challenging case, and he guides his clients through the entire criminal justice process. Mr. Gladden protects his clients’ rights and works to get them out of difficult situations.
What Are The Key Differences Between DWI And DUI In Texas?
In Texas, these two terms apply to different age groups. These are the differences:
- DWI: The primary charge for adults aged 21 and older. It requires proof of impairment or a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Applies to minors under 21.
Because Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking, the court can charge a minor with a DUI for having any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
What Penalties Can A Person Face For Drunk Driving In Texas?
Texas imposes strict punishments for drunk driving that escalate based on your criminal history and specific aggravating factors. Even a first-time conviction can lead to significant financial costs and a permanent criminal record. Common penalties include:
- First offense: Up to $2,000 in fines, three to 180 days in jail, and license suspension for up to one year.
- Second offense: Up to $4,000 in fines, 30 days to one year in jail, and a two-year license suspension.
- Third offense: Up to $10,000 in fines and two to 10 years in prison.
Enhanced penalties apply if your blood alcohol level is 0.15% or higher or if a child passenger is in the vehicle. Mr. Gladden focuses on reducing these life-altering consequences through aggressive criminal defense strategies.
Can You Get A DWI Based On Drug Use In Texas?
Yes, you can be charged with a DWI for using drugs in Texas. Under the Texas Penal Code, intoxication is not limited to alcohol. State law defines it as the loss of your faculties due to the use of any controlled substances. In addition to alcohol, this can include:
- Marijuana
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Prescription medications
If a substance impairs your ability to drive safely, you face the same legal penalties as an alcohol-related offense.
What Steps Should You Take If You Are Pulled Over On Suspicion Of Driving Drunk?
How you interact with law enforcement can make or break the outcome of a case. If you are stopped under suspicion of intoxication, try to follow these steps:
- Pull over safely, keep your hands visible and remain respectful.
- Provide your license, registration and proof of insurance.
- Exercise your right to remain silent by declining to answer other questions.
- Politely refuse to perform any field sobriety tests. (You have the right to refuse a breath alcohol test, but this results in a driver’s license suspension of at least 180 days.)
- Contact a defense lawyer immediately.
The smartest thing that you can do after an arrest is to consult a board-certified criminal defense lawyer such as Mr. Gladden.
Call A Knowledgeable Texas DWI Attorney For A Free Consultation
Mr. Gladden can check the details of a person’s DWI case in a free consultation and give them information about what they can expect. His office also offers Spanish translation services. Call 713-880-0333 or fill out the contact form to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Gladden. Se habla español.